Top End Explorer

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

Day 1: Darwin

Spend the day at leisure in tropical Darwin. Wander along the tree lined esplanade and Bicentennial Park before visiting the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or the Darwin Military Museum, two of the Northern Territories premier cultural attractions. As the sun slips below the horizon, explore the vibrant waterfront precinct or head to nearby bustling Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, a melting pot of cultures all socialising, eating and selling a variety of merchandise. Alternatively enjoy a guided day tour to Litchfield National Park, known for its towering termite mounds and enjoy its many cascading waterfalls, crystal clear swimming holes and pockets of lush rainforest.
Overnight: Oaks Elan Darwin.

Day 2: Darwin - Nitmiluk National Park

This morning collect your hire car and drive south towards Nitmiluk National Park, a region steeped in Aboriginal culture, taking a short detour to Edith Falls for a swim in the lagoon before continuing on to one of the Northern Territory’s most spectacular natural attractions, the mighty Katherine Gorge. Experience the region’s varied flora and fauna on a memorable gorge cruise and learn about the history and traditions of the region’s Indigenous inhabitants as you admire the ever changing colours of the dramatic rock formed nearly 23 million years ago. Alternatively you can canoe through the gorges or take to the skies to witness this remarkable landscape from above.
Overnight in Cicada Lodge. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Nitmiluk National Park - Kakadu National Park

Drive towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kakadu National Park, home to native Aboriginals for more than 50,000 years , passing through the small townships of Katherine and Pine Creek along the way. Covering almost 20,000 sq km, Kakadu National Park has both past and present sheltered a staggering array of habitats and wildlife and is home to a plethora of thriving floodplains, thundering waterfalls and dramatic escarpments. Experience the best that Kakadu National Park has to offer on a remarkable Yellow Waters billabong cruise. Encounter saltwater crocodiles, buffalos and a huge array of birdlife as your local guide regales you with tales about the park’s diverse environment, history and its traditional Aboriginal owners. On the way to your accommodation in Jabiru take a short detour to Nourlangie Rock Art Site and learn about the history of Aboriginal communities that lived in Kakadu from their awe-inspiring descriptive paintings.
Overnight in Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (2 nights).

Day 4: Jabiru - Arnhem Land - Kakadu National Park

Today enjoy an exhilarating 4WD day tour to one of Australia’s most untouched wilderness areas, Arnhem Land. Your Aboriginal guide will tell you the stories behind the ancient rock art, demonstrate traditional Aboriginal survival and hunting skills and enlighten you on the culture and history of the custodians of Arnhem Land, the Yolngu people. Throughout the tour you will witness some of Australia’s most epic landscapes from endless floodplains to immense escarpments, flourishing billabongs and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Arnhem Land are strictly limited in order to preserve the sanctity of the Aboriginals that live there. Today will truly be a once in a lifetime experience.

Day 5: Jabiru - Mary River National Park

Today you will drive to Wildman Wilderness Lodge in the heart of Mary River National Park. This remote luxury eco-safari lodge located on the edge of the Mary River wetlands offers the ideal opportunity to explore the thriving billabong on its doorstep, enjoy self-guided bushwalks, take out the complimentary mountain bikes or simply relax in the infinity pool. This evening join an optional guided tour to the nearby lookout of Leichhardt Point and enjoy champagne and canapes as you watch the sun set and the sounds of the wetlands come to life. Alternatively enjoy the outside fire pit at the lodge with a glass of wine as you admire the southern night sky above you.
Overnight Wildman Wilderness Lodge (2 nights). Dinner & breakfast included.

Day 6: Mary River National Park

This morning rise early and enjoy a home billabong cruise on the lodge’s neighbouring billabong. See crocodiles basking in the morning sun as you listen to the abundant birdlife above you before returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Later on enjoy one of the lodge’s many optional tours. Enjoy the exhilarating experience of gliding over the Mary River Wetlands by airboat and encounter grazing buffalo, saltwater crocodiles and a plethora of birdlife hovering above the many lily pads. Alternatively take to the skies for a scenic flight over the spectacular Mary River floodplain.

Day 7: Mary River National Park - Darwin

Travel back to Darwin to enjoy your last day in the Northern Territory’s Capital, a state abundant with wildlife, thriving Aboriginal culture and exhilarating activities.
Overnight Sky City Darwin.

Day 8: Darwin

This morning depart for your onwards journey.